deleverage

To deleverage means to reduce the amount of debt used to finance assets—essentially lowering financial risk by simplifying your obligations. The word is the opposite of "leverage," which means using borrowed money to amplify potential returns (though it also amplifies potential losses). Therefore, deleveraging is the process of unwinding that debt to return to a more sustainable position.

This term is most common when discussing corporate balance sheets. A company might choose to deleverage if it anticipates an economic downturn, wants to improve its credit rating, or needs to reduce interest expenses. They can achieve this by selling off non-core assets (like property or equipment) and using the proceeds to pay down debt, issuing new stock (equity) instead of taking on more loans, or simply focusing on using internal cash flow to cover obligations.

However, deleveraging isn't limited to big corporations; individuals do it too. For a person, deleveraging might involve paying off high-interest credit cards, refinancing a mortgage to lower payments and pay down the principal, or cutting back on lifestyle spending to avoid accumulating further debt.

The ultimate goal of deleveraging is to create a more resilient financial position. While leverage can act as a powerful accelerator during good times, it can be devastating during a crisis. By reducing the debt burden, you are building a buffer against unexpected challenges and securing a firmer footing for the future. Whenever you hear about an entity "deleveraging," remember: they are choosing safety and security over the "double-edged sword" of borrowed money.